Emily Feldmesser, Transcript CorrespondentÂ
Republicans:
Republican frontrunner Donald Trump decided not to participate in the upcoming debate. The debate will be hosted on Jan. 28 by Fox News and Google, just a few days before Mondayâs Iowa Caucus. Trump demanded Fox News anchor, Megyn Kelly to step down from moderating. When the network didnât adhere to Trumpâs request, he chose not to participate. CNN said Trump decided to boycott the debate, especially at Kellyâs helm, because âhe didnât believe he would be treated fairly.â According to The New York Times, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, after being booted off the previous debate stage, will be taking Trumpâs podium.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, currently Trumpâs most intense rival, offered to debate Trump âmano a mano,â according to CNN. Trump said instead of participating in the debate, he will host a fundraiser for âVeterans and Wounded Warriors,â Reuters reported.
Democrats:
Speaking of debates, there might be another chance for the three Democrats to come together. MSNBC and the New Hampshire Union Leader newspaper proposed the seventh Democratic debate just a few days before New Hampshireâs Feb. 9 primary. However, the Democratic National Committee has no plans to sanction the debate, according to Reuters.
That means if any of the candidates participate, it could impact any future participation in the debates. So far, former Governor Martin OâMalley has been the first one to accept the invitation. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she would participate in the debate if itâs sanctioned and other candidates participate while Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he wouldnât participate in an unsanctioned debate, reported The New York Times.